Delta Fly Fishers Delta Fly Fishers

Delta Fly Fishers
June 2010
Rx
Flyfishing
President’s Message by Stephen Johnson (the top dog in camp)
August 2010
“Never put yourself in a position to have to apologize for someone else’s behavior”, a quote from my grandfather many years
ago.
Unfortunately I find myself in this position now and feel I must apologize…as many are aware I have had an ongoing case with
the Federal Government for 2 years…much has been discussed and on several occasions the prosecutor’s office has offered
to drop all charges if I sign an agreement not to sue them. Yea right, like that’s ever going to happen. To make a rather long
story longer …we have entered the time in this dispute where games are being played to wear down the opposition…we were
scheduled to go to trial on July 6th, postponed until July 13th, then postponed again until July 21st, next came August 4th…
and finally yesterday we now are scheduled for Aug. 11th.
Do you see where I’m going with this…it is August the month where I (your friendly, except to lawyers, fearless leader) was
scheduled to: #1 host the monthly outing to the upper Sacramento River area and #2 be the featured speaker at our monthly
meeting on the 11th.
The Judge, (Oliver Wanger) the same one who dealt the Delta a slap in the face last month over a technicality, is allowing the
Prosecutors office one last chance to come to grips with reality…drop all charges or get into court…in the mean time I have to
quietly (hahahaha, me quiet) sit by and have my schedule screwed up…Sorry for any and all inconvenience this causes, I know
how much the membership looks forward to listing to my half assed witty sense of humor at these meetings.
So my apologies for disappointing my friends or is it friend…lost count.
On a more interesting note…water is warming up and the carp in local waters are hungry, Kate and I have been cruising the
shorelines of Woodard and Modesto Reservoirs in the evenings and doing quite nicely…several in the 10lb range. A couple of
day trips to the Sierras to check out the “little fellas” (Brookies) in the 6” to 10” range and my new 3 weight is no longer a virgin.
Kate is not a happy camper right now…only reading going on is legal papers and court documents.
Hopefully this will be the end to all the madness and I can get back to tending my flock like a proper shepherd… until then,
thanks for the understanding and the beer is on me as soon as I get through kicking the Federal Governments ass.
The sad eyed mutt and Steve
www.deltaflyfishers.com
DFF MENTOR PROGRAM Fishing Mentor Request
NAME ___________________________________
The Delta Fly Fishers Board of Directors, intent upon enhancing DATE ___________________________
the existing Fishing Buddy Program, is proposing DFF adopt a PHONE CONTACTS: (1) __________________
Mentor Program which is proactive and broadly inclusive. The (2) ______________________________
primary objective is, by sharing fly fishing skills and knowledge The best time to contact me is ________________________
of existing DFF members with new members, this will assist My E-mail address is: _______________________________
new members in getting acquainted with existing members, I WOULD LIKE A FISHING MENTOR TO HELP ME WITH
with club activities and, generally speed the transition from ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
new member to old friend.  Casting  Fly Tying  Attending Outings  Equiment
The Board of Directors recognizes this will take considerable  Knot Tying  Float Tubing  Pontoon Boating
commitment from the existing membership and does encourage  Stream Fishing  Lake Fishing  Trout Fishing
the active participation of current members. The following  Steelhead Fishing  Shad Fishing  Bass Fishing
broad guidelines are thought to be necessary for this program.  Striper Fishing  Salt Water Fishing  Private Water Fish-
ing  Rod Building  Selecting a Guide  Travel
• Every existing member willing to serve, as a Mentor  Entomology  Other _______________________________
will be asked to complete a skills/knowledge list that ____________________________________________________
they will share with new members as requested. The ____________________________________________________
Mentor Program Chairperson will maintain these ____________________________
documents. Please describe what you would like help with ____________
• Every new member will be asked to complete a skills/ ____________________________________________________
knowledge request form, which the Mentor Program ____________________________________________________
Chair will also maintain. __________________
• The Mentor Program Chair will introduce any and If you need further information, please contact the Fishing
all new members before the General Program begins Mentor Chairman:
and will make an effort to introduce the new members Steve Cooper, 956-1032 or e-mail @ repooc3@sbcglobal.net
to DFF Officers and Board Members. Mail the form to:
• Under consideration is the additional incentive for Delta Fly Fishers
new members of some free raffle tickets. P.O. Box 77862
• The Mentor Program Chair will follow up on Stockton, CA 95207
matching a Mentor with a new member based on
skills/knowledge sought and skills/knowledge available. The mentor and new member will work out a compatible
schedule by which to transfer skills/knowledge. The Mentor Program Chair as needed can make reassignments.
• Examples of mentoring include such things as guiding a new member on local waters within a few months of assignment,
accompany the new member to a local fly shop to assist with gear purchases, contact the new member a few days before
each monthly meeting to remind the new member of the meeting and program, assisting with casting skills, how to
tie useful knots and/or fly tying, sharing information regarding fly fishing destinations including basic travel tips and
promoting new members to join DFF in its outings
Over time the Mentor Program may be extended to include existing members who want to learn new skills/knowledge.
SierraAngler@hotmail.com
www.SierraAnglers.com
Page 2
Wednesday Night Casting & Fly Tying
The weekly Wednesday evening fly casting sessions will
continue through the Spring, Summer and Fall. Meet at
the Nature Center, in the Oak Grove Park, at 6:30. The
exception is the 2nd Wednesday night when DFF has its
monthly meeting.
Whether you are a novice and want tips on how to cast
or an expert that wants an excuse to get out of the house,
then come out for the camaraderie of other members.
This is an excellent chance improve your fly Casting and/
or BS abilities. For more information contact Jim Rich
at 477-6404.
There also will be opportunities for fly tying. For more
information contact Joe Balderston at 474-8515.
Membership Form Membership
It is that time of year again, the most important time of the
Regular membership – $30* year. Not the opening of trout season. But, it’s time to pay your
Family Membership – $35* annual membership dues. DFF relies on your dues as a major
62 years or older – $25.00* portion of its operating budget. So save DFF some money and
*New members please add $5.00 Initiation Fee use the Dues form and send your hard earned money to Bob
Dues are for one year, from September 1 to August 31 Please Fujimura at:
fill out then mail to:
Delta Fly Fishers
Delta Fly Fishers PO Box 1562
PO Box 1562 Lodi, CA 95241-1562
Lodi, CA 95241-1562
Also we would like to welcome our newest members:
Check one:
New membership _____ Renew membership _____ Elizabeth Fortin
Regular Membership: Ray Brudernich
One year $30.00 _____
Senior (62+) $25.00 ________ If you are new to fly fishing, or would just like to increase your
Family Membership: expertise, use the DFF Mentor Program. DFF has several very
One year $35.00 _____ talented and knowledgeable members that would just love to
Name __________________Spouse______________ help you.
Address____________________________________ Again welcome to the Delta Fly Fishers!
City________________ State____ Zip __________
Phone: Home (_____) _______-___________
Cell (_____) ______-________
Work (_____) _______-___________
E-Mail Address __________________
I would like to be on the ______________________ committee
Please renew your membership, if you have not done so. If
you are not sure, check the mailing label for your current sta-
tus. If there is any questions or problems please contact: Bob
Fujimura at 209-948-7097 or e-mail at
deltaflyfishers@gmail.com.
L3 Rods.com www.l3rods.com
Larry Lee larrylee@l3rods.com
5645 St. Claire Way (916) 962-0616 O
Citrus Heights, CA 95621 (916) 601-7853 C
Page 3
Conservation Conservation Plan (BPCP) and the Delta Stewardship Council
by Ron Forbes (DSC). After review, a comprehensive plan is to be developed
which hopefully will protect the Delta ecosystem. We will keep
As one becomes more involved with conservation issues
on top of this report. Given the nature of the three major
regarding our fisheries and California’s water issues, you
groups interested in the Delta the report is certain to cause
become aware our ability to solve water problems or inability
controversy. CSPA’s Bill Jennings along with CSPA’s attorney
do so will define us as a State. It has done so in the past and will
Mike Jackson and their expert witnesses were a big part in the
continue to do so in the future. Unfortunately, urban users and
outcome of the draft. Another job well done, thank you CSPA.
agribusiness interest continue with their “ME First” attitude.
Those of us representing environmental or fisheries interest And just when you thought things couldn’t become odder in
are in a position of the poor relative. We do, however, put up a the ongoing water wars.......! As you will remember, for the
good fight given our lack of resources. last three years we have heard how the drought has brought
the farmers of the south San Joaquin Valley to their knees. We
This month has a good example of how we can fight the two
heard how the fish and the people who protect them are the
special interest groups. In the ongoing Striper wars, the
bad guys and are turning the south Valley to a dust bowl. Even
Coalition for a Sustainable Delta (CSD) ask Judge Oliver
Fox’s Sean Hannity felt he had to take to the air decrying how
Wanger (US District Court for Eastern California) for a
the farmers were being ruined because of environmentalist
summary judgment against the California Department
love of a small transparent fish rather humans. And who can
of Fish and Game (DFG) who’s the defendant in the case.
forget all those signs from Stockton south on 1-5 telling us
Interveners for DFG are California Sportfishing Protection
that their lack of water has ruined the economy in Fresno and
Alliance (CSPA), Central Delta Water Agency (CDWA) and
Bakersfield. Evidently, according House of Representatives
Northern California Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers
member Nunes, the protection of Delta smelt, and not the
(NCCFFF). DFG and its three interveners presented strong
recession, has caused huge economic problems in the Fresno
scientific evidence against CSD’s case and Judge Wanger ruled
area. The fact he lied before congress seems to have escaped
against CSD. With a name like Coalition for a Sustainable
Hannity. According to south Valley farmers and Senator Diane
Delta, one would have a tendency to think the organization
Feinstein (working for her corporate agribusiness billionaire
is an environmentally responsible group. Nothing could be
friend), environmental laws needed to be suspended to save
further from the truth. They are nothing more than a group of
the farmers and provide more Delta water to the south valley.
western San Joaquin Water users. The suit is another attempt
to have the Stripers declared non-sport fish so that anyone can Given the lack of water for the last three year doesn’t it seem
catch and keep as many fish as they want regardless size or somewhat strange that the Westlands Water District has
numbers. CSD has no interest is the extinction of species such a somehow has “found” 50,000-100,000 af of water to sell to the
Salmon, Steelhead or Stripers. They want the all sport fishing Metropolitan Water District for the 2010-2011 water year?
regulations for Stripers removed. Their point is that if you Westland’s WD ability to sell their subsidized water after
get of the rid of the fish and you will get rid of the fisherman. three years of blatant misrepresentation is truly outrageous.
They feel if they get rid of the fish and those of us protecting Yet they continue to get away with it year are year after year.
the fish they will have unrestricted use of Delta water and no Westlands, the Coalition for a Sustainable Delta and others
Environmental Impact Act laws to worry about. The fact that seem very concerned about removing stripers from the Delta
they will destroy one half million acres of prime Delta farmland because they are a non-native fish. Using their logic, why should
and the local farmers with salt intrusion is of no concern to the state and federal governments give subsidized water and
them. Judge Wanger has denied CSD’s request for a summary subsidized cash for crops like cotton and pistachios given the
judge twice. However, CSD can still decide to continue the fact they are nonnative crops in California?
case. Their decision will be interesting.
For several weeks I have heard pro-radio messages for Prop.18,
In the last part of July, CSPA gave a press release regarding the Water Bond, on varies stations. The state legislature is
California Water Resources Control Board (CWRCB) release still pushing Prop.18 even though some in the legislatures are
of a draft which said that more water flows are needed in the trying to get the NGO section of the bill removed with the
Delta. Increased flows are needed to protect the Sacramento- approval for both state houses. Now some of the legislature
San Joaquin Delta’s water quality and to protect the fisheries. wants to postpone the Water Bill vote till 2012. We however,
This report was required by the State nine years ago which want the bill defeated, not postponed. The pork-laden Prop 18
told the Board to “develop new flow criteria for the Delta needs to be voted down and the state needs to come up with a
ecosystem necessary to protect public trust sources”. The comprehensive water package that will address the real issues
report should be finished in August of this year. Bill Jennings, that need to be solved, not just pass a package that really
Executive Director of CSPA is happy with CWRCB’s draft. doesn’t address the problems. Today Restore the Delta sent out
Jennings is pleased that this is the first time that the Board has an ACTION ALERT on the bill. Go to: nowaterbond.com and
given estimates on what flows are needed to sustain the estuary. see the site. They have a video which hopefully will be seen on
Jennings is also pleased that the flow increase estimates are in TV. It’s called: “Spit out the Water Bond and Start Over” and
line with those scientist, biologist and hydrologist who have uses Hollywood stars such as David DeLuis, Justine Bateman,
been studying for the last thirty years. The draft also comments Kelly Williams and Anna Belkamp. It runs 60 seconds and is
that the report is based on the “best scientific information” worth seeing. The video gets the message across.
available. The recommendation will be sent to the Bay Delta
Good going Restore the Delta and keep up the good work!
Page 4
DFF August Membership Meeting
August is traditionally set for the President’s presentation. Unfortunately, there is a distinct possibility the Steve Johnson will
not be able to attend August’s meeting (see the President’s message). Marty Kjelson is working on several possibilities for the
meeting. If he can’t get another speaker, at the last moment, we will be showing the video Rivers of a Lost Coast.
For those who haven’t seen it yet, it is a wonderful movie documenting the rapid decline of our planet’s fisheries. The devastated
fisheries of Northern California are a microcosm of the planet’s larger problems. Once a major salmon producing region, in
2008 state and federal agencies agreed upon a complete closure of ocean and recreational ocean fishing off the California coast.
While much attention has turned to the crippled commercial fishing industry, Rivers of a Lost Coast examines the situation
through the unique, little-known history of California’s north coast fly fishing community. From this rare perspective, our
documentary provides a symbolic, melancholy reflection on a wild California that has been lost to the growing metropolis.
Rivers of a Lost Coast follows California’s coastal fly fishing community through the rise and collapse of one of the world’s most
magical fisheries. To some, this is a story about time and place, about a California that was. To others, it is a story about who we
are, what we need and where we are going.
National Fly Fishing Fair & Conclave
Education, Inspiration, Celebration
West Yellowstone Montana here we come! Planning is on track and you can expect to get the best Fly Fishing Fair the FFF and
West Yellowstone has offered yet. Some special activities going on will include a 1 ½ day women’s program on August 26 & 27
with some outstanding instructors at the spectacular Bar-N-Ranch and we have a one day youth camp scheduled for Saturday
August 28.
Fly Fishing Fair Registration is open now. Check the website for information on workshops available. See our website for all
other activity information and be sure to check back often for the most up to date information.
Don’t forget to plan to attend the live auction on Friday August 27. We will have a preview from 6:00-7:30 with great appetizers,
a cash bar along with a raffle drawing and some silent auction items. To attend the preview, purchase your ticket for $15.00
when you register or get your ticket on-site at the show on the 24 or 25. There is no fee to attend the live auction so just show up
at 7:30 sharp to bid on great fly fishing trips, beautiful fly plates, flies, and exceptional art to the finest gear we are sure to have
items for everyone who pursues a fly fishing lifestyle.
The 2010 Fly Fishing Fair will be a great opportunity for fun, fishing, and learning together come celebrate with us - don’t miss
it!
Discount Pet Foods
“Great Place to Adopt and Shop”
“GREAT PET SHOP!”
1416 Country Club Blvd 1140 W Hammer Ln
Stockton, CA 95204 Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 948-9491 (209) 474-2195
Page 5
DFF Officers 2010 Delta Fly Fishers Official Club Merchandise For Sale Membership Meeting
President Help support your club by buying and using club merchandise. August 11
Stephen Johnson 209-887-9255 Polo Shirt w/club logo sale $26.00 Board Meeting
1st Vice President Ball Cap $11.50 August 18
(Open) Club Patch $5.00 September Newsletter
2nd Vice President Lapel Pin $7.00 The deadline for the
Herman Spalinger 209-477-3412 September issue is
Lic. Plate Frames $3.00
Secretary August 25th
Sallye Rollans 209-274-0448 Official coffee mug $5.00
Treasurer Also the club has a video library
Bruce Rollans 209-274-0448 Videotape Rentals $2.00 Per Video
Directors
Joe Balderston 209-649-0291
Charles Edwards 209-951-0391
Ron Forbes 209-368-5767
Marty Kjelson 209-477-9618
Bill Laughlin 209-477-6644
Mike Riley 209-
Sallye Rollans 209-274-0448
Larry Schmidt 209-948-3360
Earl Summers 209-957-6756 SAVE MART MARKETS – S.H.A.R.E.S
DFF has joined with Save Mart Markets via the S.H.A.R.E.S. program. DFF earns 3% of
most purchases made by customers using the card provided to DFF by Save Mart.
Committees Since the last report about our SHARES participation, the membership has responded to
Education
the need. The donations from SHARES for the past two quarters totaled approximately
Joe Balderston 209-649-0291
$484.00. Thank you membership. We have an additional 50 SHARES cards coming that will
Newsletter
be distributed to new members, family and friends. Continue to shop Save Mart Markets!
Doug Ridgway 209-957-0170
There is no additional cost to you. It merely gives 3% to DFF that otherwise would go to
Conservation/NCCFFF Member
market profit.
Ron Forbes 209-368-5767
Historian/Property
Herman Spalinger 209-477-3412
Membership
Bob Fujimura 209-339-0683
Outings
Earl Summers 209-957-6756
Publicity
Grady Lee 209-951-3623
Programs
Marty Kjelson 209-477-9618
John Keagy 209-369-5690 www.americanflyfishing.com www.americanflyfishingtravel.com/Travel
Raffles
Bill Laughlin 209-477-6644
Catfish Derby (June) Excellent Adventures
Earl Summers 209-957-6756 Al Smatsky
Trout Bout (November)
619 W. Pine Street
Charlie Reames 209-369-6053
Bob McMillan Trout Bout Lodi, CA 95240
(February) (209) 368-9261
Steve Cooper 209-956-1032 www.excellentadventures.org
Web Site Licensed and Bonded Guide
David Coon 209-239-9936 California License # 2427
Fishing Mentor Program Excellent Adventures is a
Steve Cooper 209-956-1032
unique and complete fly
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS fishing travel business serving
your needs since 1994.
Page 6
A Club President’s Letter fish, the next cast, and the next scenario.
Submitted by Mike Adamson - President So as I head out tomorrow morning with fly rod in hand I’ll
The Backcountry Fly Fishing Association - Orlando practice what was modeled for me last night in a baseball
game. Pursue perfection unabashedly. And when my mistakes
“I just cost that kid a perfect game”. (Jim Joyce, MLB umpire)
or more importantly, when someone else’s mistakes cost me
“Nobody’s perfect”. (Armando Gallaraga, pitcher Detroit
the opportunity for perfection…let reality and grace coexist.
Tigers)
Last night I learned a lesson from a kid half my age as one of
the most intriguing baseball stories of the year unfolded. You
probably saw it too, a chance for a perfect game. Two outs in Swap and/or Trade
the bottom of the ninth, a ground ball to the first baseman with
the pitcher covering the bag. Clearly the final out, but the ump St. Croix AFT 9010 “Avid” 9’ 10# 3 pc rod.
calls him safe. It may go down as the worst call in the history Saltwater backup rod. Used once. $120.00
of baseball.
Scott STS 1090/3 Saltwater 9’ 10# 3 pc rod.
I felt bad for the pitcher and the injustice of the situation. Good saltwater backup rod. Never used. $175.00
It’s almost impossible to be perfect, but he was. And yet the
chance to make history was stolen from him by someone else’s Tuxedo Custom Rods RXF9’11#.
imperfection. But I felt almost as bad for the ump that made Good backup saltwater big game rod, Never used. $100.00
the call. By the time he knew he was wrong he couldn’t make it Contact Bruce Rollans 209 274-0448.
right. Both men probably had a sleepless night.
What I remember most this morning is not the game. What
I remember is the study in integrity that followed as both
pitcher and ump commented on the game. First the ump
acknowledged his imperfection and owned up to it. Without
trying to whitewash or make excuses he showed genuine
remorse for something he couldn’t change. There wasn’t an
ounce of “yes but” in his answers. He just “manned up” and
I was impressed. His response will define him as much as the
bad call.
The kid’s response was even more impressive. While bearing
the brunt of a decision that had to hurt deeply he offered a
gracious, forgiving answer. “We’re all human”. “He feels worse
than I do”. “Nobody’s perfect”. “We all make mistakes”. In
the midst of what had to be deep disappointment at a wrong
done to him by another person, he offered a chance to save
face. Without overlooking the mistake he set the tone for the
rest of the nation to respond with grace, understanding and
forgiveness. That’s a kid with a great head on his shoulders.
That’s a man who has the capacity to take the long view. He
may be 25 years younger than me but he sure set an example Bill and Marilyn Kiene
for me last night.
So what does all this have to do with fly fishing? Our whole
2654 Marconi Avenue
sport is a combination of the quest for perfection AND the
reality of experiencing imperfection more often than not. Lots Sactamento, CA 95821
of things draw me to my fly rod and one of them is the difficulty 916/486-9958
in making the “perfect” cast. Yet, more times than I’d like to 800/4000-fly
www.kiene.com
admit I’ve pushed the final forecast too hard in the heat of the
moment or the last back cast slips through my fingers and the
fly lands 180 degrees from where I intended. On one hand we
keep honing the mechanics and shooting for the sky. On the
other we learn to live, and to forgive, in the midst of lots of
things going wrong.
The combination of pursuing perfection and being comfortable
with and forgiving imperfection is flyfishing in a nutshell. And
at least for me it’s a great metaphor for life. Shoot for the sky.
Own the mistakes. Go easy on yourself and on others. Make repooc3@sbcglobal.net
adjustments and keep shooting for the sky. Move on to the next
Page 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Every Wed Nature Center WEDNESDAY EVENING TYING
(except meeting Oak Grove Park
nights) Stockton Contact: Joe Balderston 649-0291 or Jim Rich 477-6404
Every 2nd Wed Membership Meeting
John R Williams School
(Except July & Aug) Contact Marty Kjelson 477-9618
Stockton
7:00 PM John Keagy 369-5690
Every 3rd Wed
Nature Center Board Meeting
(Except July)
Oak Grove Park, Stockton All Members Welcome
7:00 PM
Wednesday Monthly Membership Meeting
John R. Williams School
August 11 Marty Kjelson 477-9618 - John Keagy 369-5690
Wednesday Nature Center Board Meeting
August 18 Oak Grove Park, Stockton All Members Welcome
August Upper Sacramento River (?) August Outing (?)
TBA McCloud River & Dunsmuir Area Steve Johnson - 887-9255
Friday-Sunday 2010 Bridgeport Earl Summers
September 17-19 Eastern Sierra Outing 957-6756
Wednesday 2010 DFF Annual Pot Luck
John R. Williams School
October 13 Marty Kjelson 477-9618 - John Keagy 369-5690
Saturday October Outing
Lake Alpine
October 16 Earl Summers - 957-6756
Saturday The Delta for Stripers
Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta
November 6 Earl Summers - 957-6756
Saturday 2010 Stockton Parks and Recreation Trout Bout
Oak Grove Park, Stockton
November 20 Charlie Reames - 369-6053
Saturday December Outing
Rancho Seco
December 18 Bill Laughlin - 411-6644
August Outing
This August there was an out set for the Upper Sacramento River. Unfortunately, there is a distinct possibility the Steve Johnson,
the Fish Miester, will not be able to attend August’s outing (see the President’s message). At this point in time (July 31) there are
no plans for an August Outing. Should Steve become available and things change, check the Club’s web site and/or wait for an
e-mail to be sent to you. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Page 8
Eastern Sierra Focus
By CJ Webb
This has been an extremely rough month for me, as I had to fire a gal and rehire another and training again. Also lightning hit
our phone system from our house to Lee Vining and we were without a land line for 4 days.
This problem with the girls has been ongoing since the 15th of July, not giving me any time to fish or visit lakes and fish I should
have something in a few days, but cannot promise anything. I will post, under the fly fishing report, on our web site www.
virginialakesresort.com when I get a couple days next week to fish.....So sorry, but it has been a very trying month.....
See you on the water! CJ (10 6)
Fish Factoids
by Herman Spalinger
The cutthroat trout is the second-most popular state fish. The largest line-class cutthroat ever taken was caught in Omak Lake,
Washington, in 1993. It was caught on eight-pound line and weighed 18 pounds. The smallest cutthroat trout state record was
landed at Pyramid Lake, Nevada, in 1984 and weighed 10 pounds 14 oz.. Also the largest cutthroat trout Nevada state record
was caught in Lake Pyramid in 1977 by Ben Barlow, it weighed 23 pounds eight oz..
Here’s another one:
In April, 2007, Alaska recorded one of the oldest fish caught from its waters. The female Shortraker rockfish was estimated to
be as old as 115 years (based on analysis of its otolith, or ear bone). Caught by commercial fishermen trawling for pollock in
2,100 feet of water in the Bering Sea, the ancient 60 pound female was still reproductively active - its ovaries were filled with
developing embryos. But this rockfish was just beginning her golden years. The oldest Shortraker ever caught in Alaskan
waters was estimated to be an incredible 157 years old!
Page 9
Delta Fly Fishers
Rx Flyfishing Newsletter
PO Box 77862
Stockton, CA 95207-7862
A Not For Profit Organization
www.deltaflyfishers.com